Public hearing set for June 15 to discuss blighted Capital One tower

Lake Charles City Council members voted 6-0 Wednesday to increase the pay for city employees over a three-year period, starting next year.

The pay raises, approved by the council without discussion, will take effect on the first pay periods of January 2023, 2024 and 2025. Katie Harrington, city public information officer, said the raises will be 2-3 percent on average per year.

The council also agreed to schedule a public hearing for June 15 and discuss blighted properties within the city that were damaged by Hurricane Laura in August 2020. The agenda listed the properties being discussed as One Lakeshore Drive, where the Capital One tower sits, along with 1101 West Prien Lake Road and 1103 West Prien Lake Road, both owned by Next Level Hospitality LLC.

Hertz Investment Group has owned the 22-story tower since 2007. Officials with Hertz released a statement in April that mentioned plans to start construction of the first phase of the rebuild. Work will include repairing the freight elevator, roof replacement, skywalk repairs and the first phase of replacing windows.

A trial date is set for June 20 between Hertz and its insurer, Zurich American.

Harrington said the property owners will receive notice of the public hearing.

District B Councilwoman Luvertha August was not present at the meeting.